Switzerland Stun Italy to Reach Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals
Holders Italy made a limp exit from Euro 2024 as Switzerland's impressive performance helped them set up a potential quarter-final clash with England.
The Swiss dominated from the start and took a deserved lead when Ruben Vargas crossed for Remo Freuler, who took a touch before hammering a low shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Vargas, who plays for Augsburg in Germany, made it 2-0 just 27 seconds into the second half when he received Michel Aebischer's pass near the left-hand corner of the Italy area and expertly bent the ball into the far top corner of the net.
Italy did not manage a shot on target until the 73rd minute. Their best effort before then came when Switzerland defender Fabian Schar headed Nicolo Fagioli's cross against his own post, with Yann Sommer stranded.
Although Gianluca Scamacca also hit the woodwork from close range before the end, the Azzurri never seriously threatened a comeback, and their campaign in Germany simply fizzled out.
While Italy heads home, Switzerland, supported by their boisterous fans in Berlin, will head to Dusseldorf to play the winner of England's tie with Slovakia on Saturday, 6 July (17:00 BST).
Switzerland was only denied a win over hosts Germany by an injury-time equalizer in their final group game, highlighting their strengths.
Murat Yakin's side had greater intensity early on and matched it with incisive passing, particularly from the flanks.
They frequently found a way behind Italy's defense, but Dan Ndoye could not connect with Granit Xhaka's well-weighted ball into the box, and Breel Embolo fired too close to Donnarumma when Vargas played him through.
Freuler's opener was fully deserved—adding to his two assists in the tournament—and although they were denied a second just before the break when Fabian Rieder saw his free-kick pushed onto the post, Vargas quickly ensured they had breathing space.
Switzerland's energy did not drop in the closing stages, and their organization saw them run out comfortable winners.
This is the second consecutive Euros where they have reached the last eight, having lost on penalties to Spain last time, and they will be difficult opponents for whoever they face next.
Italy Fans Head for Exits
While the Switzerland squad celebrated with their fans at the final whistle, many Italy supporters headed straight for the exits. Their team had been thoroughly outplayed.
After struggling against Spain, Italy only made the last 16 thanks to a 98th-minute equalizer against Croatia, and similar heroics always seemed unlikely here.
Italy could have booked a potential repeat of the Euro 2020 final had they won, but this performance was more reminiscent of the one that led to them missing out on qualification for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Italy's manager Luciano Spalletti has defended his team against critics during this tournament, but even he will find it difficult to identify positives from this display.
Spalletti made six changes from the side that toiled against Croatia and changed his formation again. It had little effect, and his side went out with a whimper.
